Wisconsin winters can be miserable. By March, even some of us who love the outdoors are wondering why we live here.

If you are still living here, you have two choices: Stay cooped up inside and keep complaining, or get out and find fun things to do.

Candlelight hikes are one of my favorite things to do during a Wisconsin winter. There’s something about a candlelit trail in the woods, a roaring bonfire and a cup of hot chocolate that feels magical and makes me think this winter thing isn’t so bad after all.

And you don’t have to travel far or be an outdoor extremist to take part — there are dozens of events at parks and nature centers around the state, and most are on short, easy trails great for everyone from toddlers to grandparents.

If there’s a lot of snow, many events have snowshoes or skis to rent or borrow — all you need are warm clothes (which you should already have if you live here) and the right attitude.

These events, especially ones close to Milwaukee, are popular. In 2016, the event at Lapham Peak in Delafield caused backups on I-94 that stretched for miles. The following year the park required attendees to get a free parking voucher in advance in order to attend.

But don’t let crowds stop you from getting out there — even at the popular Urban Candlelight Hike at Three Bridges Park last winter, everyone I interacted with was courteous and friendly. Usually I’m all about avoiding crowds outside, but it was fun to see so many people enjoying winter in Wisconsin.

From a casual stroll in the city to a 10-kilometer trek across frozen Lake Superior, here are some options for candlelight hike and ski events around Wisconsin this winter.

Best in the city: Urban Ecology Center, Milwaukee

Milwaukee’s Urban Ecology Center has three branches for getting a dose of nature in the city, and two branches will host candlelight hikes this year. The Riverside branch’s is the first, with lighted walks for kids and adults through the Rotary Centennial Arboretum along the Milwaukee River on Dec. 15. The event will also feature crafts, games, hot chocolate and snacks inside the UEC.

Best for seeing an icefall: Red Cedar State Trail, Menomonie

An icefall along the Red Cedar State Trail south of Menomonie is illuminated during a candlelight ski event.(Photo11: Wisconsin DNR)

In the winter, water freezes into a giant icefall on the sandstone cliffs along the Red Cedar State Trail south of Menomonie. Skiers can make the 1.5-mile journey from the depot in Menomonie to the wall, which will be illuminated. Snowshoers can trek on a trail in nearby Riverside Park, and hikers can walk the lighted Stokke Trail that follows the Red Cedar River north.

Editor's note: This event has been canceled for 2019 due to cold temperatures.

When: 6-9 p.m. Jan. 25.

More info: Trail passes are not required for this event, but they are required for skiers and cyclists age 16 and older the rest of the year.

Best weekly event: Riveredge Nature Center, Saukville

This nature center — the oldest in southeastern Wisconsin — hosts a candlelight ski, snowshoe and hike event every Friday in January and February. Trails are lighted by lanterns, and refreshments await at the end of the trail.

When: 4:30-8 p.m. Fridays in January and February

More info: Trail fees are $5 for non-members and free for members. Snowshoe rentals are available ($10 per hour for non-members). Advance registration is recommended, and reservations are recommended for snowshoes. Call (262) 375-2715 or see riveredgenaturecenter.org.

Best for pets: Pike Lake, Hartford

Pets aren’t allowed at many candlelight events, but they are on the 1-mile lighted trail at Pike Lake. Visitors can hike, snowshoe or ski the trails, then enjoy hot chocolate and snacks around a bonfire.

When: 6-9 p.m. Feb. 9

More info: State parks admission sticker required ($8/day, $28/year).

Best on a Great Lake: Book Across the Bay, Washburn

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This 10-kilometer nighttime ski and snowshoe race follows a course across frozen Lake Superior from Ashland to Washburn. The course is lighted by a thousand ice luminaries, with rest stations with bonfires at every kilometer.
Chelsey Lewis/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Lake Superior’s famous ice caves get attention in the winter, but whether the lake will be frozen enough to visit them is never a guarantee. This 10-kilometer ski and snowshoe race on the other side of the peninsula, however, is (almost) a guaranteed good time every year. Chequamegon Bay is protected from the lake’s brutal northwest winds, allowing the lake to freeze thick enough for the race and for bonfires to be built at every kilometer along the route. More than 1,000 ice luminaries light the way from the ice and thousands of stars light the way from the sky. A party in a heated tent awaits at the finish line.

When: 6 p.m. Feb. 16

More info: The race is broken into waves for competitive skiers and snowshoers and recreational participants. Racers are encouraged to park at the finish in Washburn and take a shuttle to the starting line before the race. The course is groomed for both skate and classic cross-country skiing. Pets and vehicles with wheels (bicycles, wagons) are not allowed. Walkers are allowed if conditions allow. Registration is $20 in advance. See batb.org.

Best for kids: Horicon Marsh

Families with little ones will appreciate the lighted Family Loop, just 0.36 miles, at Horicon Marsh’s candlelight hike. Another 1.5-mile trail also will be lighted for a longer hike. After, everyone can warm up with marshmallows around a bonfire, view the night sky through telescopes provided by the Northern Cross Science Foundation, or head into the visitor center to learn more about the marsh.

When: 5-9 p.m. Jan. 19

More info: The event is free, but visitors are encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item or hats, gloves or mittens to donate. Leashed pets are allowed on the trails, but not inside the visitor center. Parking is limited; shuttles will be available from Theiler Park in Mayville and Bethesda in Horicon from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. See horiconmarsh.org.

Best for a winter camping weekend: Point Beach State Forest

Point Beach’s campground stays open through the winter, so plan a winter camping trip to enjoy the forest’s candlelight hike. If you’re extra hardy, you can pitch a tent, or you can rent one of two cabins. The 3,000-acre park has plenty of other trails to explore while you’re there, including a segment of the Ice Age Trail and a 6-mile stretch of Lake Michigan shoreline.

Editor's note: This event has been canceled for 2019 due to cold temperatures.

Best for stargazing: Newport State Park, Ellison Bay

Newport State Park was designated a Dark Sky Park by the International Dark-Sky Association.(Photo11: Denny Moutrayu)

Wisconsin’s only dark sky park recognized by the International Dark-Sky Association is the perfect place for stargazing in winter. A 1.2-mile trail will be lighted by candles to help guide your gazing by ski, snowshoe or boot, and bonfires stand ready to warm you when you’re done.

When: 5:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 9

More info: State parks admission sticker required ($8/day, $28/year).

Best for history lovers: Heritage Hill State Park, Green Bay

This living history park is opening its grounds for a nighttime stroll by luminaries along a 1.5-mile path through the 56-acre park. Visitors can see historical buildings from four periods of northeastern Wisconsin’s past, including an early 19th-century fur trader’s cabin, a blacksmith shop and a farmhouse — all of which will be open with costumed interpreters and activities.

When: 5-8 p.m. Jan. 19

More info: Special events admission is $7.50 per person (kids 2 and under are admitted free). Advance registration is recommended. The buildings and paths are ADA compliant. Leashed dogs are allowed on the paths, but not inside historical buildings. See heritagehillgb.org.

Wisconsin is squeaky cheese curds, fishing spots, Packers fans and time spent by the lake. It’s also the Milwaukee entrepreneur, the Hmong artisan and the dairy farmer. Stories in our Be Wisconsin series look at deeply rooted tradition and at the surprising ways the state culture is changing.

Wisconsin is squeaky cheese curds, fishing spots, Packers fans and time spent by the lake. It’s also the Milwaukee entrepreneur, the Hmong artisan and the dairy farmer. Stories in our Be Wisconsin series look at deeply rooted tradition and at the surprising ways the state culture is changing.

CANCELED: Jan. 26, Lapham Peak, Delafield. Ski, snowshoe or hike a 1-mile trail by candlelight. Warm beverages and treats available for a donation. Free ticket voucher required for vehicles; vouchers are limited and are available at the park office. 6-8:45 p.m.

Feb. 2, Flambeau River State Forest, Winter: More than 600 candles light the way on a 1.8-kilometer trail for skiing, snowshoeing or hiking. Warm up at a bonfire with refreshments after. Trail fees waived. 5-9 p.m.

Feb. 2, Zillmer Trails, Campbellsport: Cross-country ski or hike in the Kettle Moraine State Forest by candlelight. The heated trail shelter will be open for snacks and hot drinks. 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Feb. 2, Big Foot Beach State Park, Lake Geneva: Hike by candlelight and warm up with s'mores and hot chocolate around a campfire. 6-8 p.m.

Feb. 2, Black River State Forest, Millston: Ski a 1.5-mile trail or snowshoe/hike a 1-mile trail, both lighted by candle luminaries. Bonfire to follow. Hot chocolate and hot dogs available for purchase. Meet at the Smrekar shelter on County Road O east of Millston. 6-9 p.m.

Feb. 2, Woodland Dunes Nature Center, Two Rivers: Snowshoe or hike along a candlelit trail, plus enjoy a bonfire, warm beverages, s'mores and live music. Snowshoes available to borrow. Admission is $8 per person or $20 for a family for non-members. 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Feb. 16, Brule River State Forest, Brule: Ski or snowshoe a section of the After Hours Ski Trails and warm up with hot chocolate and apple cider after. Trail passes not required. 5-9 p.m.

Feb. 16, Governor Thompson State Park, Crivitz: Ski a 1-mile trail with candle luminaries and ice sculptures, or snowshoe or hike another 1-mile trail. Pets are welcome on the hiking trail only. Warm up by the fire with hot chocolate after. Meet at the Woods Lake Picnic Area. 6-9 p.m.

Feb. 16, Merrick State Park, Fountain City: Snowshoe or hike by candlelight, view the night sky through telescopes and warm up by a bonfire with hot chocolate or a s'more. Meet at the Nature Center. 5:30-8 p.m.

Feb. 16, New Glarus Woods State Park, New Glarus: Hike or snowshoe a short trail, then enjoy s'mores and hot chocolate around a campfire. 6-9 p.m.

Feb. 16, Willow River State Park, Hudson: Ski, snowshoe or hike 2 to 3 miles of trails and enjoy refreshments around a bonfire. 6-8:30 p.m.

Feb. 16, Wyalusing State Park, Prairie du Chien: Snowshoe or hike a torch-lit trail, then view the night sky through telescopes and warm up with refreshments around a bonfire. 6-9 p.m.

Feb. 23, Pattison State Park, Superior: Ski, snowshoe or hike a candlelight trail, then warm up around the fireplace in the shelter. 4-8 p.m.